- Present:
- Mayor Linda Hudson; Commissioner Rufus Alexander; Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson; Commissioner Thomas Perona; Commissioner Reginald Sessions
- Staff Present:
-
- Interim City Attorney Benjamin Bryan
- City Clerk Linda Cox
- City Manager Nicholas Mimms
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson to appove item 5 a.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
Mayor Hudson issued the Proclamation.
Janice Douglas spoke on item 11 a.
Terri Walden spoke on item 11 a.
Diana Voss spoke on item 11 e.
Motion was made by Commissioner Reginald Sessions, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to approve the agenda and move item 10 e to item 10 a.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
The U.S. Department of Education’s College Affordability and Transparency Center named IRSC the number one college in the 50 states for affordability as a four-year college. Their goal is creating a Treasure Coast Advanced Manufacturing Center since there is a need for trained industrial trades like manufacturing, aviation, welding, HVAC and construction, among others. IRSC degree completion rates have increased within the past five years. Black graduates have increased, however, IRSC is working on closing the gap between Black graduates and Hispanic and White graduates as the latter group continue to be roughly 14% higher. The college now has various programs to assist students while completing their degree. These include Completion Scholarships to assist those that have parted ways with the school without finishing their degree and still wish to complete it, Achievement Scholarships for 50 black students, a Restoring the Village Scholarship for those from the Lincoln Park Community and an Emergency Aid program assisting students one-time only when they have encountered unexpected hardship. Along with Career Source, they are offering pre-apprenticeship grants to help high school dropouts earn their G.E.D. and learn trade skills. They are trying to reach new students before they leave high school in order to orient them as to their options. They have more than 5,000 students in our community taking advantage of dual-enrollment, which essentially is free-college, as those credits will transfer to the college when they enroll for their degree of choice.
Members of the City Commission all concurred the public should vote Yes for Amendment 14 in order to approve the half-cent sales tax. Mayor Hudson indicated they intended to fix the roads and spend the monies the way they said they would.
Motion was made by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to approve items 11 b through 11 i.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to approve item 11 a with the condition of adding the wording where monthly financials are to be a requirement.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
City Clerk Linda Cox introduced the ordinance, read by title only, into the record.
ORDINANCE NO. 18-036 - AN ORDINANCE BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA; REZONING THE PROPERTY GENERALLY LOCATED AT 401 & 411 S. INDIAN RIVER DRIVE, FROM C-1, OFFICE COMMERCIAL ZONE, TO PD, PLANNED DEVELOPMENT; FURTHER APPROVING A DEVELOPMENT PLAN PURSUANT TO SECTION 22-40, PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF ORDINANCES OR PARTS THEREOF IN CONFLICT; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Before commencing this Quasi-Judicial Hearing, Ben Bryan, Jr., Interim City Attorney, reminded the Commission when acting as a Quasi-Judicial Body they apply the laws and policies established and are held to stricter procedural requirements, following basic standards established and are held to stricter procedural requirements, following basic standards of notice and due process based on substantial evidence. As such, they conduct these proceedings as judges instead of legislators.
Mr. Bryan additionally confirmed that individuals that may be heard are people who might have relevant information and their comments are limited to three (3) minutes each. Members of the public may be permitted to present their non-expert opinions, but the Commission must know that public sentiment is not relevant to the decision, which must be based on competent, substantial evidence.
Mayor Hudson called the proceeding to order.
City Clerk, Linda Cox, confirmed the City complied with advertisement and notice requirements.
Mayor Linda Hudson inquired with the Commission regarding ex-parte communications; all commissioners and Mayor Hudson engaged in ex-parte communications.
City Clerk, Linda Cox, was asked to swear in those wanting to speak during this Quasi-Judicial hearing. Individuals in the audience intending to speak on this item were asked to stand, raise their right hand, and administered an oath to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Those that were sworn in were asked to clearly state their name for the record and confirm they were sworn in at such time as they were asked to come forward to testify.
Rebecca Grohall, Planning Director, presented this revised Zoning Atlas Amendment, Planned Development & Design Review. The site plan consists of two three-story condo buildings with 12 parking garages, community pool, two pool/patio restrooms, and refuse collection. The floor and landscape plan were also presented to the City Commission. All affected departments reviewed the proposed Zoning Atlas Amendment, Planned Development, and Design Review Applications with regards to requirements of the City Code. The request for a Planned Development is generally consistent with the processes outlined in the Land Development Code, the underlying intensity of the proposed use is consistent with the Future Land Use Element of the City’s Comprehensive Plan for the Central Business District. The Planning Board voted unanimously for its approval; therefore, staff recommends that the City Commission approve the presented plan (PD) and rezoning request with the following conditions:
- Site Lighting is provided in accordance with Land Development Code 22-60(j)(1) Off Street Parking and Loading at the time of Building Permit Review.
- Provide an updated traffic impact statement.
Commissioner Johnson had questions regarding responsibilities of road and landscape maintenance which were answered by Ms. Grohall and Jack Andrews, City Engineer.
Mayor Hudson opened the public hearing.
William Stoddard, applicant, referenced the content of a letter from Dean Mead, Ronald and Kip Lyman’s attorney, related to this property, as well as answered questions for the Commission.
Joe Biddle, applicant, answered questions regarding the sidewalk, right-of-way, landscape and roof over-hangs.
Rick Reed, applicant, made comparisons between the design that was originally approved and the one they were looking to get approved today indicating the benefits of the new design.
Dennis Corrick, attorney for Ronald and Kip Lyman, addressed the Bulkhead Ordinance and stated their concerns.
Ronald Lyman, also stated his concerns regarding the Bulkhead Ordinance. He is opposed to this development.
Linda Nunn indicated she’d been in the original meeting in which the Bulkhead Ordinance was discussed and she is opposed to this development.
Bill Nunn was also in opposition of this development.
Steve Hula was also in opposition because of the traffic.
Michael Brown had concerns with the development being built.
Rick Reed, applicant, addressed the questions of individuals who spoke during the hearing.
Seeing no one else, the mayor closed the Public Hearing.
The Commission discussed the development further and the possible impact it could have in our community. Ms. Grohall explained why a rezoning was necessary now when it wasn’t necessary for the first design concept. Mr. Andrews explained the Bulkhead Ordinance.
Motion was made by Commissioner Rufus Alexander, seconded by Commissioner Reginald Sessions to approve item 12 a.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
- NAY:
- Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson
Passed
ORDINANCE NO. 18-037 - AN ORDINANCE BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA AMENDING CODE SECTION 13-36; PROVIDING FOR DECREASE IN CREDITED SERVICE REQUIREMENT FOR DISABILITY RETIREMENT ENTITLEMENT; AMENDING CODE SECTION 13-39; DECREASING CREDITED SERVICE REQUIREMENT FOR NORMAL RETIREMENT; AMENDING CODE SECTION 13-40; DECREASING CREDIT SERVICE REQUIREMENT FOR UTILITIES AUTHORITY COVERAGE PLAN; AMENDING CODE SECTION 13-42; DECREASING CREDITED SERVICE REQUIREMENT FOR POLICE OFFICER COVERAGE PLAN; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to approve item 12 b.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
City Clerk Linda Cox introduced the resolution, read by title only, into the record.
RESOLUTION NO. 18-R52 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA; ESTABLISHING CRITERIA AND PROCEDURES FOR THE NAMING AND/OR RENAMING OF PUBLIC FACILITES; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; REPEALING ALL RESOLUTIONS IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas Perona, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to approve item 13 a.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
RESOLUTION NO. 18-R53 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, CERTIFYING THE APPOINTMENT OR REAPPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Motion was made by Commissioner Rufus Alexander, seconded by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson to approve item 13 b.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
City Clerk Linda Cox introduced the resolution, read by title only, into the record.
RESOLUTION NO. 18-R54 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, CERTIFYING THE APPOINTMENT OR REAPPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE KEEP FORT PIERCE BEAUTIFUL ADVISORY BOARD; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Ms. Cox distributed the ballot for the City Commission.
Commissioner Alexander voted for Annette Brown and Charlene Adair.
Commissioner Johnson voted for Charlene Adair and Shirley Walker.
Commissioner Perona Shirley Walker and Charlene Adair.
Commissioner Sessions Annette Brown and Bob Burdge
Mayor Hudson voted for Shirley Walker and Charlene Adair.
Charlene Adair's term will end in 2021. Shirley Walker's term will end in 2020.
Motion was made by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Rufus Alexander to approve item 13 c and have Charlene Adair and Shirley Walker appointed to the Keep Fort Pierce Beautiful Advisory Board.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
City Clerk Linda Cox introduced the resolution, read by title only, into the record.
RESOLUTION NO. 18-R55 - A RESOLUTION DETERMINING THAT A CERTAIN BUILDING OR STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 401 N 21ST ST IN FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA IS UNSAFE AND A NUISANCE THAT CONSTITUTES A MENACE TO THE BUSINESS, HEALTH AND SAFETY OF THE COMMUNITY; AND THAT ALL PARTIES OF INTEREST MUST SHOW CAUSE WHY THE STRUCTURE SHOULD NOT CONDEMNED AND DEMOLISHED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE; AND NOTIFYING ALL PARTIES OF POTENTIAL ACTION BY THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE FOR FAILURE TO ACT; AND THAT A PUBLIC HEARING BE HELD AT THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COMMISSION MEETING ON DECEMBER 3, 2018 AT 6:30 PM, IN THE CITY COMMISSION CHAMBERS LOCATED AT 100 N US HWY 1, FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA; AND PROVIDING FOR NOTICE TO ALL PARTIES.
Motion was made by Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Reginald Sessions to approve item 13 d.
- AYE:
- Mayor Linda Hudson, Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, Commissioner Thomas Perona, Commissioner Reginald Sessions
Passed
Nicholas Mimms, indicated the Scavenger Hunt had a lot of participation and many came out to celebrate City Government Week. The Trunk or Treat event was also a success and the Fort Pierce Police Department made it all the more exciting. As far as our recreation in our first year, our Youth Football group of ages 8 and 10 won the South Florida Superbowl. The Youth Cheer girls, also ages 8 and 10 took first place in a cheer competition, while our 12-year old girls took second place in a cheer competition. In observance of Veteran’s Day, City Hall will be closed on November 12th which means there will be no Conference Agenda taking place. Mr. Mimms, along with a representative of our Fort Pierce Police Department, visited the Salvation Army; Adam’s Place is scheduled to open on January 2019 and it will be our initial resource for the homeless in our community.
Commissioner Perona encouraged everyone to vote tomorrow.
Commissioner Sessions requested an update about Brightline. Mr. Mimms indicated the latest as of that today is that Brightline had questions regarding the information we'd submitted and those questions were answered. Commissioner Sessions indicated while walking through Moore's Creek he noticed there is a need to do better and feels the city needs to step up. He encouraged everyone to vote tomorrow.
Commissioner Johnson indicated he’d been to Jensen Beach and had seen the same trash that exists in Moore’s Creek and he encouraged all within our entire city to please throw their trash out in the appropriate receptacles. Regarding the kids’ program, he feels we are over the hurdle of the capital expenses; Mr. Mimms confirmed this to be true. Investing in our children is exciting.
Mayor Hudson indicated the PAD Festival is on November 10th. Election Day is tomorrow and she urged all to vote for Amendment 14. Veteran’s Day falls on Sunday, November 11th and a ceremony will be held at the River Walk Center on that Sunday celebrating them and remembering that day marks 100 years since the end of World War I. She urged all to get a flu shot.
| ____________________________ | _________________________________ |
|
CITY CLERK
|
MAYOR COMMISSIONER
|